South African Penguin Hours

We went as a daytrip from Cape Town on May 8, 2021 (I had to look back through photos on my phone), and arrived just before 3pm. We hadn’t planned a specific time to view the penguins, but that’s how it worked out, while doing a counter-clockwise loop down to the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point, then up to Boulders Beach. In 2021, the penguin colony attraction closed at 5pm throughout the year; I don’t know if that’s changed.

Have you learned specific details why certain times of day would be superior? The penguins were active, both on the shore and getting in and out of the water while we were there. Whether another time of day would’ve been better, and why, I had no idea, but it worked for us. I took photos for about a half hour, based on the timestamps showing in my phone, so I’d say that’s about how long we stayed there.

We also walked the boardwalks through the nesting area, and I must say that the Jackass Penguins, endearing though they may be, really stink. The viewing areas closer to the water were not so odiferous.

Thank you for your thoughtful reply. A friend was there in May said the Penguins leave the beach to go fishing early in the morning and return late in afternoon. It sounds like your timing was perfect!!
Good to know about the smell!
I appreciate your taking time to look back at your photos.
Eva